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Ben Babauta awarded island’s only bingo license
Vicente “Ben” Babauta
The only bingo license on island has been awarded to Vicente “Ben” Babauta for $18,000.
Bingo has long been a staple game in the Commonwealth community especially among adults and the elderly.
Unfortunately, the Saipan Mayor’s Office is only allowed, legally, to award one bingo-operating license and it was awarded to Babauta.
According to Saipan Mayor David M. Aptang, Babauta was the highest bidder and his license became effective last Dec. 6.
Babauta’s license will be valid for up to five years. His license would also allow him to set up bingo parlors anywhere he pleases and he it also allows him to set up as many bingo parlors as he pleases.
Apatang said the response they got from Babauta was all positive and Babauta is extremelyexcited to start setting up his bingo parlors.
Babauta will also be the only individual who can run bingo operations in any public setting or event, but will pay 25 percent more than any other concession stand.
For the Liberation Day festival, Babauta is allowed to operate bingo games, but he must pay his required concession fee to the festival organizers.
Apatang said it’s been long awaited and now, there is finally an individual who is responsible for all the bingo affairs on island.
Babauta is the highest bidder among four other individuals and is obligated to pay the winning bid amount annually.
